Ergonomic hand support with a pressure relief surface for use with a computer pointing device

ABSTRACT

A hand support device for use with a computer pointing device relieves repetitive motion stress and includes a top surface, a bottom surface, and a perimeter surface connecting the top surface and the bottom surface. The top surface includes: a palm support region, that is an inclined planar surface; a little finger support portion extending from the palm support region; a thumb support region extending from the palm support region; a front index positioned on a side of the palm support region, and between the little finger and thumb support regions; and a side index adjacent to and extending from the palm support and thumb support regions. The bottom surface facilitates sliding of the hand support device on a work surface. The hand support device reduces stress and risk of injuries resulted from repetitive motions by encouraging the user of a computer pointing device to employ two fields of motion to control the pointing device. The user engages the fingers, the hand, and the wrist to make fine movements while holding the hand support device stationary. The user moves the computer pointing device and the hand support device in unison with the arm and shoulder when making coarse movements.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The invention generally relates to devices for minimizingwork-related injuries caused by the use of computers and particularly toa hand support for use with a computer pointing device such as acomputer mouse.

[0003] 2. Description of Related Art

[0004] It is well known that the extended use of a computer pointingdevice, such as a computer mouse, can cause a computer user to sufferfrom cumulative trauma disorder (CTD) or repetitive strain injuries(RSI). Computer users can often be afflicted with pains in the hands andthe wrists caused by excessive wrist movements such as flexion andhyper-extension of the wrist. Computer users can also suffer fromsoreness and fatigue in the shoulders and the necks due to excessive armand shoulder motions associated with use of computer pointing devices.

[0005] Long period of repetitive motion associated with the use of thecomputer mouse coupled with incorrect hand posture while using the mousemay cause disorders in the hand, wrist, elbow, shoulder, and neck, suchas carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel syndrome is the numbness,tingling and loss of strength of the hand and wrist, and is caused bystress on the wrist induced by repetitive wrist and finger motions.Repetitive stress injuries, such as carpal tunnel syndrome, can bedisabling and are costly, both in terms of medical expenses and lostwork time.

[0006] The prior art includes several support devices that were used inconjunction with the computer pointing device, such as a computer mouse,to reduce the stress and risk of injury associated with the frequent andrepetitive motion necessary in the use of the computer mouse. Asdescribed more completely below, typical support devices includestationary or movable apparatus supporting the hand, the wrist or thepalm.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,451,020 to Smith et al. and U.S. Pat. No.5,228,655 to Garcia et al. disclose examples of stationary wrist supportdevices, also called wrist rests. Wrist rests are typically pads placedin front of the keyboard or the mouse. The height of the pad is selectedto support the wrist so as to elevate the hand to be level with theforearm. Wrist rests alleviate the stress on the wrist by avoidingprolonged bending up and down of the wrist.

[0008] Stationary wrist rests as those disclosed in Smith et al. andGarcia et al. have a number of disadvantages. Studies have shown thatpressure on the underside of the wrist can irritate wrist tissue andincrease the risk of carpal tunnel syndrome. Furthermore, wrist rests donot protect the wrist from excessive side to side bending which cancause injuries to the tendons in the wrist. Thus, stationary wrist restsare not a satisfactory means to protect computer users from repetitivestress injuries.

[0009] Other types of stationary support devices include the palm restdisclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,433,407 to Rice. The stationary palm restdisclosed by Rice involves resting the palm on a raised support where arecess underneath the support permits the mouse to be slid in and underthe support. The stationary palm rest disclosed by Rice has severaldisadvantages. The stationary palm rest raises the hand slightly abovethe mouse, making it more difficult for the user to control the mousefor fine movements. Typically, a stationary palm rest such as thatdisclosed by Rice requires the use of only the wrist to move the mouse.The arm and shoulder cannot be effectively used.

[0010] Since users often times have limited desktop space, anotherdisadvantage of the stationary wrist rest or palm rest devices disclosedabove is that these devices tend to require large amount of desktopspace.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 5,203,845 to Moore discloses a computer mousesupport having an upwardly inclined orientation. The mouse supportattempts to complement the normal angle of a user's arm during theoperation of the mouse. One disadvantage of the mouse support devicedisclosed by Moore is that the mouse support comprises a wrist/palmsupport member which can irritate the wrist and injure wrist tissue. Asdiscussed above, a wrist support, that applies pressure to the wrist, isnow deemed an invalid way of preventing repetitive stress injuries.

[0012] Besides the stationary support devices described above, prior artsupport devices include movable apparatus. U.S. Pat. No. 5,490,647 toRice discloses an example of a movable hand support also called a palmrest. Movable palm rests such as that disclosed by the Rice '647 patenttend to fall over easily during use. In addition, existing movable palmrests are particularly inconvenient when the user needs to move betweenthe keyboard and the mouse frequently. Because the movable palm resttends to be bulky, the user usually cannot locate the palm rest withoutstopping and visually searching for the device. The need to visuallysearch for the palm rest whenever the user reaches for the mouse and thepalm rest is cumbersome and impedes productivity. Also, the movable palmrest such as that disclosed by the Rice '647 patent has otherdisadvantages. This type of palm rests position the user's hand abovethe mouse. Because the hand is raised above the mouse with this type ofmovable palm rests, it is more difficult for the user to control themouse to make minute and precise mouse movements. Therefore, movablepalm rests as those disclosed by the Rice '647 patent are not suitablefor users who perform graphics intensive work. Moreover, the height ofthe movable palm rest makes it difficult for the user to control themouse with the fingers and the hand; therefore, the user tends to dependon the arm and shoulder to make the mouse movement, much like the devicedisclosed by U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,067 to Martin et al. that is describedmore completely below.

[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 5,340,067 to Martin et al. discloses a movable handand wrist support 110 for computer mouse 112 as shown in FIG. 1. Support110 holds mouse 112 within a retainer 114. The user rests hand 113 onsupport 110 such that hand 113 is on the same plane as mouse 112.

[0014] Movable hand and wrist support 110 disclosed by Martin et al. hasseveral disadvantages. First, support 110 has a raised area 116 near thecenter of support 110 intended to apply gentle pressure on the palm ofhand 113. As mentioned previously in reference to palm rests, applyingpressure to the center of the palm can cause carpal tunnel syndrome andis highly undesirable. Second, fine mouse movements are made moredifficult because the user must move mouse 112 and support together 110.Third, support 110 does not maintain hand 113 in a neutral positionbecause the user has to twist his/her wrist to place hand 113 on theflat surface of support 110.

[0015] In addition to the disadvantages described above, prior artsupport devices are not satisfactory because such devices tend to forcethe user to focus movement of the user's hand and shoulder in one fieldof motion only. Stationary palm rests restrict arm and shoulder movementand force the user to move the wrist only in manipulating the mouse. Themovable wrist/hand support disclosed by Martin et al. completelyeliminates wrist motion, thereby forcing the user to move the arm andshoulder exclusively in manipulating the mouse. Extended and repetitivemotions focused on either the wrist or the shoulder can cause cumulativetrauma disorders.

[0016] Accordingly, there is a need for a support device for use withcomputer pointing devices, such as a computer mouse, which can reducestress and helps to prevent injuries while not impeding the productivityof the computer users.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0017] According to the principles of this invention, an ergonomic handsupport device reduces stress and helps to prevent cumulative traumadisorder when used in conjunction with a computer pointing device suchas a computer mouse. The ergonomic hand support device does notcompromise the productivity of a computer user. For example, theergonomic hand support device facilitates the user moving his/her handfrom a computer keyboard to a proper position with respect to thecomputer pointing device without looking at either the ergonomic handsupport device or the computer pointing device. Therefore, delaysassociated with interpreting work and visually seeking the location ofthe ergonomic hand support device and the computer pointing device aregreatly reduced or eliminated.

[0018] The ergonomic hand support device of the invention keeps the handin a neutral position which imitates the natural roll of the hand, thewrist and the forearm, and therefore minimizes stress and fatigue whileusing the computer pointing device. In addition, the ergonomic handsupport device positions the hand in the same plane and as close aspossible to the computer pointing device which in turn allows the userto easily manipulate the computer pointing device. The ergonomic handsupport device is not only compact and inexpensive, but also isadaptable to an existing desktop and does not take up too much desktopspace. Hence, the ergonomic hand support device of this inventionovercomes the shortcomings of the prior art hand support devicesdescribed above.

[0019] A significant ergonomic feature of the ergonomic hand supportdevice is that the device facilitates two fields of motion. In a firstfield of motion, the fingers, the hand, and the wrist are used to movethe computer pointing device, and in a second field of motion, the armand shoulder are used to move the computer pointing device and theergonomic hand support device in unison. The two fields of motionprevent excessive use of a particular muscle group which in turn reducesthe likelihood of injury associated with repetitive stresses and motionsof that particular muscle group.

[0020] A first surface of the ergonomic hand support device, e.g., a topsurface, includes a palm support region. A little finger support regionextends from the palm support region. A thumb support region alsoextends from the palm support region. The thumb support region and thelittle finger support region are positioned with respect to the palmsupport region so that when a user's palm rests on the palm supportregion, the user's little finger curls around the little finger supportregion, and the thumb can grasp the computer pointing device, i.e., thelittle finger and thumb are in a natural ergonomic position for the palmresting on a flat surface.

[0021] Hence, the thumb support region and the little finger supportregion are ergonomically positioned with respect to the palm supportregion. In one embodiment, to facilitate the ergonomic positioning ofthe hand, the palm support region has a slope in a direction from thelittle finger support region to the thumb support region.

[0022] In addition to the ergonomic positioning, the thumb supportregion and the little finger support region define an opening positionedbetween the thumb support and little finger support regions. Hence, aposition of the thumb support region and a position of the little fingersupport region also are selected to provide a size of the opening topermit the computer pointing device to be moved within the opening.

[0023] The opening has a shape similar to a portion of the computerpointing device positioned in the opening, but the opening is largerthan the computer pointing device and thereby permits a limited range ofmovement of the computer pointing device within the opening. Thedisplacement of the computer pointing device in the opening, that can beaccomplished through motion of only the user's fingers, hand, and wrist,define a first field of motion. The first field of motion permits smallmovement of the computer pointing device which in turn results in fineadjustments of the cursor on the computer visual display.

[0024] The ergonomic hand support device has a second surface, oppositeand removed from the first surface, and a perimeter surface connectingthe first surface to the second surface. A portion of the perimetersurface, that bounds the opening and that is between the thumb supportregion and the little finger support region, is a control surface.

[0025] As the user manipulates the computer pointing device within theopening, the computer pointing device may contact a point on the controlsurface. A point of contract between the computer pointing device andthe control surface defines a control point for the first field ofmotion. Hence, the control surface, between the finger and thumb supportregions, has one or more control points that confine the range ofmovement of the computer pointing device in the first field of motion.

[0026] When the user desires to make fine pointing device movements, theuser keeps the ergonomic hand support device stationary and utilizes thefingers, hand, and wrist to move the computer pointing device within theopening. Typically, for fine adjustments, the computer pointing deviceis separated from the control surface. When the user moves the computerpointing device so much that the device knocks against one of thecontrol points, the collision alerts the user that the range of finemovement has been reached and the user must employ a second field ofmotion to move the computer pointing device further in that direction.In this manner, the ergonomic hand support device prevents excessiveside to side bending of the user's wrist.

[0027] When the cursor controlled by movement of the computer pointingdevice must be moved further than is permitted within the first field ofmotion, the user grasps the computer pointing device,-and effortlesslyslides the combination of the ergonomic hand support device and thecomputer pointing device around a work surface. The ergonomic handsupport device of this invention facilitates synchronized movement ofthe ergonomic hand support device and the computer pointing device. Thedisplacements, that can be accomplished through motion of both theergonomic hand support device and the computer pointing device using thearm and shoulder muscles, define a second field of motion.

[0028] Thus, according to the principles of this invention, a method forfacilitating multiple fields of motion in using a computer pointingdevice includes:

[0029] separating a thumb support region and a little finger supportregion of a hand support device by an opening wherein the opening limitsmovement of the computer pointing device to a first field of motionwherein the first field of motion is used for fine-movement of thecomputer pointing device; and

[0030] shaping a surface of the hand support device to permit graspingthe computer pointing device while resting a hand on the hand supportdevice and then moving of the hand support device and the computerpointing device in unison within a second field of motion wherein thesecond field of motion is used for coarse movement of the computerpointing device.

[0031] The shaping includes extending the thumb support region and thelittle finger support region from a palm support region of the handsupport device where the palm support, little finger support, and thumbsupport regions position a hand of a user resting on the hand support sothat the user can grasp the computer pointing device and move thecomputer pointing device and the hand support device in unison withinthe second field of motion. The shaping also includes inclining the palmsupport region in a direction from the little finger support region tothe thumb support region.

[0032] As explained above, in addition to the ergonomic features, theergonomic hand support device improves the efficiency of the user byeliminating the need to look at either the ergonomic hand supportdevice, or the computer pointing device when placing a hand on theergonomic hand support device. As the user's hand moves over theergonomic hand support device, two tactile indices, a side index and afront index in one embodiment, provide tactile reference points forproperly positioning the hand with respect to the computer pointingdevice. The combination of the first and second tactile indices is whatpermits the user to properly position the user's hand on the ergonomichand support device without looking at either of the two devices.

[0033] In general, the first and second tactile indices can be placed atany location on the first surface that does not interfere with thenatural positioning of the hand and wrist; that does not place unnaturalpressures or stresses on the hand and wrist; and that guides the handinto the proper position with respect to the computer pointing device.The two tactile indices on the first surface are separated from eachother and orientated at an angle with respect to each other in oneembodiment. The angle is selected to ergonomically position the handwith respect to the computer pointing device.

[0034] In another embodiment, the two tactile indices are placed alongopposite sides of the hand support device so that one extends from thethumb and palm support regions, and the other extends from the littlefinger and palm support regions. Further, a tactile index may extendonly along a part of a side of the hand support device. Thus, thetactile indices may be diagonally separated across the surface of thehand support device. When the indices extend along the two sides of thehand support device, there may be a small angle between the two indices,but in this case, the indices are said to be substantially parallel.

[0035] In one embodiment, a first tactile index is a side indexextending from the thumb support region and the palm support region. Thesecond tactile index is a front index extending from a portion of thepalm support region between the little finger support region and thethumb support region. The side index is shaped to push a user's handtoward the computer pointing device. The front index is positioned sothat no pressure is exerted on a center of a user's palm resting on theergonomic hand support device.

[0036] The first surface of the ergonomic hand support device also has apressure relief edge surface extending from a portion of the palmsupport region opposite and removed from the opening to a portion of theperimeter surface. In one embodiment the pressure relief edge surface isa convex surface.

[0037] In one embodiment the second surface has a plurality of railsaffixed thereto. The plurality of rails permit smooth movement of theergonomic pointing device off and on any edge of the working surface.Each of the plurality of rails has a sliding surface and a beveled edgesurface. The beveled edge surface surrounds the sliding surface andextends from the sliding surface to the second surface.

[0038] In another embodiment, an ergonomic hand support device includes:

[0039] a first surface having a thumb support region, a little fingersupport region, and a palm support region extending from the thumbsupport region and the little finger support region;

[0040] a second surface opposite and removed from the first surface; and

[0041] a perimeter surface connecting the first surface to the secondsurface, and extending between the little finger support region and thethumb support region to define a control surface of an openingpositioned between the little finger support region and the thumbsupport region;

[0042] wherein the first surface extends over the control surfacebetween the thumb support region and the little finger support region tocreate a computer pointing device cavity.

[0043] The cavity permits sliding the computer pointing deviceunderneath the hand support device. This places the user's fingers onthe buttons of the computer pointing device naturally, and so minimizesinjuries associated with extending the fingers to reach the buttonswhile keeping the user's hand and wrist on the same plane as thecomputer pointing device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0044]FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a prior art movable hand and wristsupport for use with a computer mouse.

[0045]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a hand support device inaccordance with the present invention shown in conjunction with acomputer mouse.

[0046]FIG. 3A is a top perspective view of the hand support device ofFIG. 2 used in conjunction with a computer mouse and supporting acomputer user's hand.

[0047]FIG. 3B is a side perspective view of the hand support devicebeing used as shown in FIG. 3A.

[0048]FIG. 4 is a top view of the hand support device of FIG. 2.

[0049]FIG. 5 is a rear side elevational view of the hand support deviceof FIG. 2.

[0050]FIG. 6A is the finger side elevational view of the hand supportdevice of FIG. 2.

[0051]FIG. 6B is the finger side elevational view of a hand supportdevice with a forward tilt at the little finger support region.

[0052]FIG. 6C is the finger side elevational view of a hand supportdevice with a backward tilt at the little finger support region.

[0053]FIG. 7A is a thumb side elevational view of the hand supportdevice of FIG. 2.

[0054]FIG. 7B is a finger side elevational view of a hand support devicewith a forward tilt at the thumb support region.

[0055]FIG. 7C is a finger side elevational view of a hand support devicewith a backward tilt at the thumb support region.

[0056]FIG. 8A is a front side elevational view of the hand supportdevice of FIG. 2.

[0057]FIG. 8B is an expanded view of the curved bottom at the thumbsupport region of the hand support device of FIG. 2.

[0058]FIG. 9A is a top view of a hand support device in accordance withan alternate embodiment of the present invention shown in conjunctionwith a computer mouse.

[0059]FIG. 9B is a front side elevational view of the hand supportdevice of FIG. 9A.

[0060]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of the hand support device of FIG. 2.

[0061]FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a hand support device withtextured surface.

[0062]FIG. 12 is a top view of the hand support device of FIG. 2 beingused with a computer mouse.

[0063]FIG. 13 is a top perspective view of a hand support device beingrestrained to the work surface with a tethering mechanism.

[0064] In the Figures, objects with the same reference numeral are thesame object. Also, the Figures are not drawn to scale, and thecharacteristics described in the specification should be used todetermine the relative characteristics of features of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0065] According to the principles of this invention, an ergonomic handsupport device 210 reduces stress and helps to prevent cumulative traumadisorder when used in conjunction with a computer pointing device suchas a computer mouse 201. Ergonomic hand support device 210 does notcompromise the productivity of a computer user, because ergonomic handsupport device 210 permits the user to move his/her hand between thecomputer keyboard and mouse 201 smoothly with looking at mouse 201.Ergonomic hand support device 210 keeps the hand in a neutral positionwhich imitates the natural roll of the hand, the wrist and the forearm,minimizing stress and fatigue. In addition, ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 positions the hand in the same plane and as close as possibleto computer mouse 201 which in turn allows the user to easily manipulatecomputer mouse 201. Ergonomic hand support device 210 is not onlycompact and inexpensive, but also is adaptable to an existing desktopand does not take up too much desktop space.

[0066] A significant ergonomic feature of ergonomic hand support device210 is that device 210 facilitates two fields of motion. As explainedmore completely below, in a first field of motion, the fingers, thehand, and the wrist are used, and in a second field of motion the armand shoulder are used. Hence, the two fields of motion prevent excessiveuse of a particular muscle group which in turn reduces the likelihood ofinjury.

[0067]FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an ergonomic hand support device210 in accordance with the present invention shown in conjunction withcomputer mouse 201. Herein, use of computer mouse 201 is illustrativeonly of one computer pointing device, and is not intended to limit theinvention to use only with computer mouse 201.

[0068] When a user extends a hand to ergonomic hand support device 210,device 210 guides the hand into the proper position for using computermouse 201. In particular, a side index 228, a first tactile index, isimmediately adjacent a thumb support region 224 and a palm supportregion 220 on a first surface 212, sometimes called top surface 212, ofergonomic hand support device 210. Side index 228 curves upwards, i.e.,curves in a first direction which in this embodiment is the Z direction,from thumb support region 224 and palm support region 220, and has anupper edge surface 228A that is elevated above thumb support region 224and palm support region 220. In this embodiment, the curvature fromthumb support region 224 and palm support region 220 to upper edgesurface 228A is concave. As the user's hand moves over ergonomic handsupport device 210, side index 228 provides a first tactile referencepoint for properly positioning the hand on ergonomic hand support device210 with respect to computer mouse 201.

[0069] Thumb support region 224 transitions into palm support region 220of first surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device 210, i.e., thumbsupport region 224 extends from palm support region 220. A portion 220Aof palm support region 220 closest to computer mouse 201, e.g., a sideof palm support region 220, is bounded by a front index 226, a secondtactile index. Front index 226 extends between thumb support region 224and a little finger support region 222 of first surface 212. Front index226 curves upwards, i.e., curves in the first direction, from palmsupport region 220, thumb support region 224, and little finger supportregion 222, and has an upper edge surface 226A that is elevated abovepalm support region 220, thumb support region 224, and little fingersupport region 222. In this embodiment, the curvature from palm supportregion 220 to upper edge surface 226A is convex. Unlike prior art device110 (FIG. 1), when a user's hand rests naturally on ergonomic handsupport device 210, front index 226 place no pressure on the center ofthe user's palm. Consequently, use of device 210 does not result inunnatural stresses being induced in the user's palm.

[0070] As the user's hand moves over ergonomic hand support device 210,front index 226 provides a second tactile reference point for properlypositioning the hand with respect to computer mouse 201. The combinationof the first and second tactile reference points permits the user toproperly position the user's hand on ergonomic hand support device 210without looking at either device 210 or mouse 201.

[0071] In general the first and second tactile indices can be placed atany location on surface 212 that does not interfere with the naturalpositioning of the hand and wrist; that does not place unnaturalpressures or stresses on the hand and wrist; and that guides the handonto computer mouse 201. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, indices 226 and 228are separated from each other and orientated at an angle with respect toeach other. The angle is selected to properly position the hand withrespect to computer mouse 201.

[0072] Alternatively, indices 226 and 228 could both be placed alongopposite sides of device 210 so that one extends from thumb and palmsupport regions 224 and 220, and the other extends from little fingerand palm support regions 222, 220. (This embodiment is not illustrated,since those of skill in the art will understand how to construct anindex similar in shape to index 228 along the opposite side of device210, and so a figure is not required to understand this alternativeembodiment.) Further, indices 226 and 228 may extend only along a partof a side of device 210. Thus, indices 226 and 228 may be diagonallyseparated across surface 212 of device 210. When indices 226 and 228extend along the two sides of device 210, there may be a small anglebetween the two indices, but in this case, the indices are said to besubstantially parallel.

[0073] In FIG. 2, first surface 212 is inclined in a direction fromlittle finger support region 222 to thumb support region 224, i.e., isinclined in a second direction that is perpendicular to the firstdirection, and in this embodiment is the X direction. Thus, palm supportregion 220 is an inclined planar surface in this embodiment. The slopeof the inclined planar surface is selected so that when the user's handis placed on first surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device 210, theuser's hand and forearm are rolled into a neutral position that helps tominimize the stress on the user's fingers, hand, and wrist.

[0074] Top surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device 210 includes yetanother ergonomic feature, a pressure relief edge surface 230. Pressurerelief edge surface 230 minimizes the pressure applied to the nerves,especially the median nerve, and to the circulatory system to and fromthe hand and the wrist when the user's hand is supported on ergonomichand support device 210.

[0075] Little finger support region 222 and thumb support region 224extend substantially in a third direction, that is perpendicular to thefirst and second directions, from palm support region 220, and define anopening 218 that frames a head portion 201A of computer mouse 201. Headportion 201A of computer mouse 201 is the portion of computer mouse 201removed from the mouse buttons.

[0076] The direction that regions 222 and 224 extend is dependent uponthe computer pointing device utilized. In FIG. 2, regions 224 and 222extend from palm support region 220 at an angle from the third directionand so are said to extend substantially in the third direction. Littlefinger support region 222 and thumb support region 224 facilitate properpositioning of the user's fingers and thumb for grasping computer mouse201.

[0077]FIG. 3A is a top perspective view -of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 used in conjunction with computer mouse 201 and supporting acomputer user's hand 302. When hand 302 is properly placed on ergonomichand support device 210, little finger support region 222 allows littlefinger 304 of user's hand 302 to curl in a relaxed position. Thumbsupport region 224 allows user's thumb 306 to grasp the side of mouse201. When supported by ergonomic hand support device 210, the user'shand 302 is in its neutral position, and on the same plane as computermouse 201 as illustrated in FIG. 3B. Ergonomic hand support device 210also places the user's hand 302 close to and on the same plane ascomputer mouse 201 to allow precise control of mouse 201 for fine mousemovements.

[0078] Ergonomic hand support device 210 has a second surface 214,sometimes called bottom surface 214, which is opposite and removed fromfirst surface 212 in the first direction. Ergonomic hand support device210 also has a perimeter surface 216 joining first surface 212 andsecond surface 214 about the perimeter of ergonomic hand support device210. Certain regions of perimeter surface 216 possess particularcharacteristics to achieve the features of the present invention and areindividually described below.

[0079] As just described, little finger support region 222 and thumbsupport region 224 extend substantially in the third direction from palmsupport region 220, and define opening 218. In this embodiment, opening218 extends from a second side of thumb support region 224 to a secondside of little finger support region 222. Opening 218 is positionedbetween regions 222 and 224. Hence, regions 222 and 224 are positionednot only to provide the ergonomic features described above but also arepositioned to define opening 218 that has a size P (See FIGS. 8A and9B.) so that computer mouse 201 can be moved within opening 218.

[0080] Opening 218 (FIG. 2) frames a head portion 201A of computer mouse201. In this embodiment, opening 218 is curved to accommodate headportion 201A of computer mouse 201. In general, the shape of opening 218is selected to approximately mirror the shape of the computer pointingdevice that is accommodated. Unlike prior art device 110 that fit snuglyabout computer mouse 112, opening 218 is larger than computer mouse 201so that computer mouse 201 has a limited range of motion within opening218. Since the shape of opening 218 is selected to provide this limitedrange of motion, the shape of opening 218 may not be an exact mirrorimage of the computer pointing device.

[0081] In FIG. 2, this limited range of motion is in the seconddirection and is distance Al plus distance B1. In addition, mouse 201has a limited range of motion in the third direction, i.e., a distanceCl. The limited movements of mouse 201 in the second and thirddirections are accomplished using the motion of only the user's fingers,hand, and wrist. The displacements of the computer pointing device inthe second and third directions that can be accomplished through motionof only the user's fingers, hand, and wrist define a first field ofmotion. The first field of motion permits fine adjustments of thecursor, on the computer visual display, controlled by movement ofcomputer mouse 201. Of course, as pointed out above, computer mouse 201is illustrative only of one embodiment of a computer pointing device.

[0082] A portion of perimeter surface 216 between little finger supportregion 222 and thumb support region 224 forms a control surface 217(FIG. 8A). Surface 917 (FIG. 9B) is an alternative embodiment of thecontrol surface. Control surface 217 bounds opening 218. As the usermanipulates computer mouse 201 within opening 218, computer mouse 201may contact control surface 217. A point of contract between computermouse 201 and control surface 217 defines a control point for the firstfield of motion. Hence, control surface 217, between finger and thumbsupport regions 222, 224, has one or more control points that confinethe range of movement of computer mouse 201 in the first field ofmotion. Alternately, discrete projections can be placed on controlsurface 217 so as to define a plurality of control points.

[0083] When the user desires to make fine mouse movements, the userkeeps ergonomic hand support device 210 stationary and utilizes thefingers, the hand, and the wrist to move mouse 201 within opening 218.Typically, for fine adjustments, computer mouse 201 is separated fromcontrol surface 217. When the user moves mouse 201 so much that mouse201 knocks against one of the control points, the collision alerts theuser that the range of fine movement is reached and the user must employa second field of motion to move mouse 201 further in that direction. Inthis manner, ergonomic hand support device 210 prevents excessive sideto side bending of the user's wrist. As explained above, the usertypically keeps ergonomic hand support device 210 stationary when makingmovements in the first field of motion. Of course, in some situations,it is possible for the user to move ergonomic hand support device 210slightly to make fine mouse movements as well.

[0084] When the cursor controlled by movement of computer mouse 201 mustbe moved further than is permitted within the first field of motion, theuser grasps computer mouse 201, and effortlessly slides the combinationof ergonomic hand support device 210 and computer mouse 201 around worksurface 308 (FIG. 3A). While work surface 308 as shown in FIG. 3A is amouse pad, this is illustrative only and is not intended to limit theinvention to work only on a mouse pad. Ergonomic hand support device 210can be used on any other work surfaces.

[0085] Ergonomic hand support device 210 facilitates synchronizedmovement of device 210 and computer mouse 201. The displacements in thesecond and third directions, that can be accomplished through motion ofboth ergonomic hand support device 210 and computer mouse 201 using thearm and shoulder muscles, define a second field of motion.

[0086] In this embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210 has aplurality of rails affixed to, or made integral with second surface 214.See FIGS. 8A, 9B and 10 for example. The plurality of rails facilitatemovement of computer mouse 201 in the second field of motion. The usergrasps computer mouse 201, and effortlessly slides ergonomic handsupport device 210 on the plurality of rails and computer mouse 201around work surface 308. The plurality of rails permit smooth movementof the computer mouse 201 and ergonomic hand support device 210 near theedges of work surface 308, because none of the plurality of rails catchon the edges. Thus, if ergonomic hand support device 210 should slideoff any edge of work surface 308, the user merely slides ergonomic handsupport device 210 back unto work surface 308 without interruption ofthe motion of computer mouse 201.

[0087] With ergonomic hand support device 210, the user utilizes theuser's arm and shoulder to move both mouse 201 and ergonomic handsupport device 210 in unison when making coarse mouse movements. Thecoarse movement of mouse 201 causes the cursor, on the computer visualdisplay, to move to the desired position.

[0088] Ergonomic hand support device 210 trains the computer user toemploy two fields of motion in manipulating computer mouse 201.Consequently, ergonomic hand support device 210 reduces stress and riskof injuries from repetitive motions by encouraging the user of acomputer mouse to employ two fields of motion to control the mouse.

[0089] As explained above, in the first field of motion, ergonomic handsupport device 210 remains stationary, and the computer user uses handand wrist motion in making fine mouse movements. In the second field ofmotion, the computer user uses arm and shoulder motion to move bothmouse 201 and ergonomic hand support device 210 in unison for coarsemouse movements.

[0090] With the combined use of the two fields of motion, ergonomic handsupport device 210 advantageously causes the user to distribute theworkload evenly across the hand, the wrist, the arm and the shoulderwhen manipulating computer mouse 201. As a result, the user is affordedsmall rest breaks in the arm and shoulder areas when the fingers, handand wrist are used to make fine mouse adjustments. Conversely, the useris afforded small rest breaks in the hand area when the arm and shoulderare utilized to make coarse mouse movements.

[0091] While in this embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210 isused with computer mouse 201, this is illustrative only and is notintended to limit the invention to use with a computer mouse only.Ergonomic hand support device 210 of this invention can be used inconjunction with other computer pointing devices in varying shapes andsizes including keyboards, trackballs, graphic tablets with pens and agraphic tablet mouse. In addition, while the embodiment shown in FIG. 2is for use with the right hand, it is understood that those skilled inthe art may construct a mirror image of the embodiment shown to adaptergonomic hand support device 210 for use with the left hand.

[0092] As described above, ergonomic hand support device 210 has firstsurface 212 opposite and removed from second surface 214 in the firstdirection. Perimeter surface 216 extends in the first direction andconnects first surface 212 to second surface 214. The height ofperimeter surface 216 varies about the perimeter of device 210 and isselected, for example, to implement the sloped feature of ergonomic handsupport device 210 as well as other features of device 210. In addition,the height of perimeter surface 216 and the height of the rails, thatare described more completely below, define the height of ergonomic handsupport device 210.

[0093] The height of ergonomic hand support device 210 depends on theheight of the computer pointing device. In general, the height ofergonomic hand support device 210 is selected so that when the user'shand rests on device 210, the hand and wrist have the natural alignmentillustrated in FIG. 3B. Specifically, the height of ergonomic handsupport device 210 is selected so that the user's hand 302 is in itsneutral position, and on the same plane as computer mouse 201 whenresting on device 210.

[0094] The ergonomic advantages of ergonomic hand support device 210,that are described above, are a significant advance over the prior artdevices. However, in the most detailed description that follows, furtherergonomic advantages are described. While the additional advantages aredescribed with respect to a specific embodiment, the embodiment isillustrative only and is not intended to limit the invention to thisparticular embodiment. The advantages are associated with the overallshape of ergonomic hand support device 210 and not with a particular setof dimensions. The following description of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 is oriented toward a computer mouse 201 such as the MicrosoftMouse, Part No. 37964, available from Microsoft Inc., Redmond, Wash.Other computer pointing devices may have different dimensions.

[0095]FIG. 4 is a top view of ergonomic hand support device 210. Asdescribed above, little finger support 222 and thumb support region 224frame opening 218. To facilitate proper positioning of the user'sfingers and thumb for grasping computer mouse 201, dimensions B, C, Dand F, which define the spatial relationship and size of support regions220, 222, 224, are selected to place the user's fingers and the thumb ina relaxed position to reduce stress.

[0096] Note that as illustrated in FIGS. 2, 3A, and 4, in thisembodiment, a first centerline 351, extending substantially in the thirddirection, through little finger support region 222 and a secondcenterline 352, also extending substantially in the third direction,through thumb support region 224 are not exactly parallel to acenterline 353 of a user's wrist when the user's hand is placed onergonomic hand support device 210. The reason is that the naturalposition of the little finger and the thumb are not parallel to thewrist but are at an angle. The angles of the centerlines of regions 222and 224 from the centerline of the user's wrist are selected so thatwhen the user's hand is placed on ergonomic hand support device 210, thethumb and little finger are supported in their natural position whengrasping mouse 201. See the description of FIG. 10 below for a furtherdescription of the angle between regions 222 and 224.

[0097] In this embodiment, palm support region 220 extends a firstdistance F in the third direction from a line 401 extending in thesecond direction and tangent to rear edge surface 216A to a line 402extending in the second direction and tangent to inner most point 218Bof opening 218. Little finger support region 222 extends a seconddistance D from line 402 to a line 403 extending in the second directionand tangent to a tip 422A of ergonomic hand support device 210 and oflittle finger support region 222. Thumb support region 224 extends athird distance B from line 402 to a line 404 extending in the seconddirection and tangent to a tip 424A of ergonomic hand support device 210and of thumb support region 224. The width of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 is defined by a fourth distance C which extends in the seconddirection from the outermost point of side index 228 to the outermostpoint of little finger support region 222.

[0098] Both length B and length D vary with hand size and are selectedto support the thumb and little finger respectively just beyond themetacarpal joint and before the first joint. Length D of finger supportregion 222 is selected to permit the small finger to curl slightly overtip 422A in a relaxed position, and varies with hand size. Typically,length D ranges from about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about 7.62 cm (3inches), and in one embodiment is 3.81 cm (1.5 inches). Length B ofthumb support region 224 is selected so the thumb may reach beyond end424A of thumb support region 224 to grasp mouse 201. Typically, length Branges from about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about 5.08 cm (2 inches), andin the embodiment illustrated is 3.17 cm (1.25 inches). The separationbetween little finger and thumb support regions 222, 224 determines therange of the first field of motion and is further dependent upon thesize and shape of the computer pointing device used.

[0099]FIG. 5 is a rear side elevational view of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 and further illustrates the inclined planar surface of palmsupport region 220, and height I of side index 228, i.e., the distancefrom the work surface to upper edge surface 228A of side index 228. Palmsupport incline angle al denotes the slope of inclined planar surface ofpalm support region 220 from little finger support region 222 to thumbsupport region 224 in the second direction. This slope is determined bythe size of the user's hand and the shape of the computer mouse.Typically, palm support incline angle α1 ranges from about 1° to about30° and in the embodiment illustrated is 10°.

[0100] As described above, side index 228 serves as a reference point toassist the user in placing the hand properly on ergonomic hand supportdevice 210. Side index 228 is designed to push the user's hand towardmouse 201 and this forward thrust keeps ergonomic hand support device210 in proper alignment with computer mouse 201. Typically, height I ofside index 228 is in the range of about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to about6.35 cm (2.5 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated, is 3.49 cm(1.375 inches). In addition, side index 228 has a thickness H extendingin the second direction from the outermost point of side index 228 tothe base of side index 228, where side index 228 transitions into palmsupport region 220 on top surface 212. Typically, thickness H of sideindex 228 is in the range of about 0.16 cm (0.063 inches) to about 1.91cm (0.75 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated, is 0.95 cm (0.375inches).

[0101] Referring again to FIGS. 2, 4 and 5, pressure relief edge surface230 is an edge surface located at the rear of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210, opposite and removed from opening 218. Pressure relief edgesurface 230 intersects palm support region 220 about an arc 230A andalso intersects perimeter surface 216 at edge 216A. Pressure relief edgesurface 230 relieves the pressure applied to the heel of the user's palmwhen the user's palm rests on ergonomic hand support device 210. For thepurpose of this description, the heel of the user's palm is defined asthe portion of the palm where the median nerve and the circulatorysystem enter the hand.

[0102] In this embodiment, pressure relief edge surface 230 is definedby arc 230A that is approximately symmetric about a line coincident witha centerline of the heel of the user's palm when the user's hand isplaced on ergonomic hand support device 210. Pressure relief surface 230is a convex surface. Arc 230A can be a circular, parabolic, orelliptical arc, or any other desired shape, and in this embodiment is anelliptical arc. The maximum displacement of arc 230A from rear edgesurface 216A in the third direction is distance G (FIG. 4). The maximumheight of pressure relief edge surface 230, called the depth of pressurerelief edge surface 230, is denoted by distance J in FIG. 5.

[0103] Typically, distance G is in the range of about 0.25 cm (0.1inches) to about 5.72 cm (2.25 inches) and in the embodiment illustratedis 1.27 cm (0.5 inches). Distance J is in the range of about 0.25 cm(0.1 inches) to about 1.91 cm (0.75 inches), and in the embodimentillustrated, is 0.32 cm (0.125 inches).

[0104]FIG. 6A illustrates a little finger side elevational view ofergonomic hand support device 210. Little finger support region 222 canbe flat in a direction from rear 210A of device 210 to front 210B ofdevice 210. Alternatively, region 222 can have a tilt either forward(FIG. 6B) or backward (FIG. 6C) relative to front 210B of ergonomic handsupport device 210.

[0105] The angle of the tilt is determined by the size of the user'shand and the shape of the computer mouse. As illustrated in FIG. 6B,finger side forward tilt angle α4 denotes the slope of the forward tiltof finger support region 222. Typically, forward tilt angle α4 rangesfrom about 0° to about 25°. Similarly, referring to FIG. 6C, finger sidebackward tilt angle α5 denotes the slope of the backward tilt of fingersupport region 222. Typically, backward tilt angle α5 ranges from about0° to about 25°.

[0106]FIG. 7A illustrates a thumb side elevational view of ergonomichand support device 210. Thumb support region 224 can be flat in adirection from rear 210A of device 210 to front 210B of device 210.Alternatively, region 224 can have a tilt either forward (FIG. 7B) orbackward (FIG. 7C) relative to front 210B of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210.

[0107] The angle of the tilt for thumb support region 224 variesdepending on the size of the user's hand and the shape of the computermouse. As illustrated in FIG. 7B, thumb side forward tilt angle α6denotes the slope of the forward tilt of thumb support region 224.Typically, forward tilt angle α6 ranges from about 0° to about 25°.Similarly, referring to FIG. 7C, thumb side backward tilt angle α7denotes the slope of the backward tilt of thumb support region 224.Typically, backward tilt angle α7 ranges from about 0° to about 25°.

[0108] Thumb support region 224 can be a planar surface or a curvedsurface that is defined by an arc β1, as illustrated in FIG. 8B. In FIG.8B, arc β1 is shown in solid line while the edges of side index 228 andfront index 226 are shown with a dotted line. The dotted line in FIG. 8Bis intended to highlight the arc of the curved surface on thumb supportregion 224 and not to illustrate a hidden feature. Arc β1 has a radius Yranging from about 0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to an infinite radius, whichresults in the planar surface, and in the illustrated embodiment Y is0.95 cm (0.375 inches).

[0109]FIG. 7A further illustrates height K of side index 228 extendingabove thumb and palm support regions 224, 220 to upper edge surface228A. Typically, height K is in the range of about 0.25 cm (0.1 inches)to about 1.52 cm (0.6 inches) and in the embodiment illustrated is 0.95cm (0.375 inches).

[0110] As illustrated in FIG. 8A, which is a front side elevational viewof ergonomic hand support device 210, front index 226 and side index 228are raised areas on top surface 212 of ergonomic hand support device210. As described above, front index 226 serves as a reference point toassist the user in placing the hand properly on ergonomic hand supportdevice 210. Furthermore, front index 226 provides a stop for the user'shand and is designed to place no pressure on the center of the palm.Front index 226 has a height M from the work surface to top edge 226B.Typically, height M is in the range of about 1.27 cm (0.5 inches) to4.45 cm (1.75 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 2.86 cm(1.125 inches). Referring to FIG. 4, front index 226 has a thickness Ein the third direction from line 402 to a line 407 extending in thesecond direction and tangent to the base of front index 226 where frontindex 226 transitions to palm support region 220 on top surface 212.Typically, thickness E is in the range of about 0.16 cm (0.063 inches)to 1.91 cm (0.75 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 1.27 cm(0.5 inches).

[0111]FIG. 8A further illustrates the respective height of little fingersupport region 222 and thumb support region 224. Little finger supportregion 222 has a height L from the work surface to top surface 212 ofergonomic hand support device 210. Typically, height L is in the rangeof about 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to 1.91 cm (0.75 inches), and in theembodiment illustrated is 0.95 cm (0.375 inches). Thumb support region224 has a height N from the work surface to top surface 212 of ergonomichand support device 210. Typically, height N is in the range of about0.64 cm (0.25 inches) to 3.81 cm (1.5 inches), and in the embodimentillustrated is 1.91 cm (0.75 inches).

[0112] In an alternate embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210Aincludes a mouse cavity 940 as illustrated in FIGS. 9A and 9B. Mousecavity 940 is included when ergonomic hand support device 210A isadapted for use with a computer mouse having longer and higherdimensions than typical. Mouse cavity 940 can also be advantageouslyemployed when the user has a smaller hand or shorter fingers. Byallowing the mouse to slide into mouse cavity 940, ergonomic handsupport device 210A allows a user having a smaller hand or shorterfingers: to grasp the mouse without hyperextending the fingers; tocontrol the movement of the mouse within the first field of motion; andto keep the user's hand in the same plane as the mouse.

[0113] As previously described a portion 917 of perimeter surface 916,that extends between little finger support region 922 and thumb supportregion 924, and bounds an opening that is defined by and positionedbetween regions 922 and 924, is control surface 917. Top surface 920 ofdevice 210A extends over the opening to form mouse cavity 940. Thus, inthis embodiment, part of control surface 917 is recessed under topsurface 920. Consequently, total control surface 970 includes not onlycontrol surface 917, but also the top surface 971 of cavity 940, whichis referred to an inner cavity surface 971. Inner cavity surface 971intersects control surface 917 in edge 973. In one embodiment, mousecavity 940 extends underneath front index 926 on top surface 920, and isshaped to allow the user to slide computer mouse 201 partiallyunderneath ergonomic hand support device 210A so that the mouse maycontact either the top surface of the cavity or one or more points oncontrol surface 917.

[0114] Referring to FIGS. 9A and 9B, dimensions O, P and Q define thesize of mouse cavity 940. All other characteristics of device 210A aresimilar to those described above. Mouse cavity 940 has a height O in thefirst direction from bottom surface 914 to near top edge 926B of frontindex 926. Mouse cavity 940 has a width P in the second directionextending from the inner side of little finger support region 922,represented by line 904, to the inner side of thumb support region 924,represented by line 905. Mouse cavity 940 has a depth Q in the thirddirection from a line 902 extending in the second direction and tangentto a rear 940A of mouse cavity 940 to a line 906 extending in the seconddirection and tangent to point 918B.

[0115] Height O, width P and depth Q of mouse cavity 940 vary dependingon the shape of the computer pointing device used with ergonomic handsupport device 210A, and are selected to permit the rear portion ofcomputer pointing device, such as computer mouse 201 as illustrated inFIG. 9A, to slide into and move around within mouse cavity 940. Theportion of perimeter surface 916 defining the recess for mouse cavity940 forms a control surface 917. Control surface 917 includes one ormore control points for confining the movement of mouse 201 within mousecavity 940, thereby facilitating the first field of motion as previouslydescribed.

[0116] As described above and illustrated in FIG. 5, ergonomic handsupport device 210 is supported by a plurality of rails that, in theembodiment illustrated, includes a first rail 232 and a second rail 234.First and second rails 232, 234 are provided to facilitate the secondfield of motion. First and second rails 232, 234 are made of a materialthat has low friction with the work surface, thereby allowing the userto move ergonomic hand support device 210 together with the computermouse easily and smoothly. First and second rails 232, 234 are designedto allow ergonomic hand support device 210 to glide smoothly on and offthe edge of the work surface, such as a mouse pad. First and secondrails 232, 234 do not catch on the edges of the work surface when theuser glides ergonomic hand support device 210 back onto the worksurface. This is especially important when the work space is small andthe user may slide the computer mouse off any one of the edges of thework surface while manipulating the mouse for coarse movements. Firstand second rails 232, 234 permit the user to glide ergonomic handsupport device 210 back onto the work surface easily without having tolift and reposition ergonomic hand support device 210, and independentof the edge of the work surface.

[0117] Specifically, first and second rails 232, 234 assist the user toglide ergonomic hand support device 210 back onto the work surface whenlateral mouse motion causes device 210 to slip off one of the sides ofthe work surface. First and second rails 232, 234 also assist the userto glide ergonomic hand support device 210 back onto the work surfacewhen the rear of device 210 has slipped off the rear of the worksurface.

[0118]FIG. 10 is a bottom view of ergonomic hand support device 210.First rail 232 on bottom surface 214 is positioned under thumb supportregion 224 and palm support region 220. First rail 232 has a length Tthat extends substantially the entire length of device 210. Length T offirst rail 232 is in the range from about 5.08 cm (2.0 inches) to about10.67 cm (4.2 inches), and in embodiment illustrated is 6.99 cm (2.75inches).

[0119] Second rail 234 on bottom surface 214 is positioned under littlefinger support region 222 and palm support region 220. Second rail 234has a length S that also extends substantially the entire length ofdevice 210. Length S also is in the range from about 5.08 cm (2.0inches) to about 10.67 cm (4.2 inches), and in the embodimentillustrated is 8.26 cm (3.25 inches). A width W of first and secondrails 232, 234 is in the range from about 0.332 cm (0.131 inches) toabout 5.08 cm (2.0 inches) and in the illustrated embodiments 2.41 cm(0.95 inches). While in this embodiment, first and second rails 232, 234are elliptically shaped, this is not intended to limit the rails to anelliptical shape only. The rails may assume any shapes meeting theobjective of the present invention.

[0120] Each of first and second rails 232, 234 has a sliding surface236, and a beveled edge surface 238 extending from sliding surface 236to bottom surface 214. Sliding surface 236 has a width U in the range ofabout 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to about 3.81 cm (1.5 inches) and in theillustrated embodiment is 1.91 cm (0.75 inches). Sliding surface 236rises above bottom surface 214 a distance X in the first direction (FIG.5). Typically, thickness X ranges from about 0.01 cm (0.004 inches) toabout 0.95 cm (0.375 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated is 0.25cm (0.1 inches).

[0121] The bevel of beveled edge surface 238 of both first and secondrails 232, 234 is such that a perimeter of the rail in contact withbottom surface 214 is greater than a perimeter of sliding surface 236.Beveled edge surface 238 of first and second rails 232, 234 helps theuser to glide device 210 back onto the work surface when device 210 hasslipped off the work surface. Beveled edge surface 238 can have a widthV in the range of about 0.015 cm (0.006 inches) to about 1.27 cm (0.5inches) and in the illustrated embodiment is 0.51 cm (0.2 inches).

[0122] In the illustrated embodiment, first and second rails 232, 234are positioned at an angle α8 to each other. Typically, angle α8 mayrange from about 3° to 60° and in the illustrated embodiment is 30°.Angle α8 also defines the angle between thumb support region 224 andlittle finger support region 222 for positioning the computer user'sfingers and the thumb in a natural position.

[0123] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 10, first and second rails 232,234 each has a one-piece construction. First and second rails 232, 234may be constructed with several parts and may further have a crownedsliding surface. The crown is used to cap the rail and function assliding surface 236. The crown may run the entire length or a partiallength of the rail. The crown has an arc having a radius from about 0.25cm (0.1 inches) to 0.91 cm (0.36 inches).

[0124] While in the embodiment described above, ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 is supported by a plurality rails, this is illustrative onlyand is not intended to limit the invention to rail support only. Bottomsurface 214 can be a flat, hard surface with beveled edge surfacesaround the perimeter of bottom surface 214. Bottom surface 214 can alsobe supported by other sliding means such as wheels, rollers, or smallpads.

[0125] The dimensions for one embodiment of ergonomic hand supportdevice 210 are summarized in TABLE 1. The reference characters in Table1 correspond to the reference characters designated in FIGS. 2 to 10. Itis understood that the dimensions for ergonomic hand support device 210can be adjusted appropriately to fit a user's hand size. In oneembodiment, three devices 210 are provided, one for a small hand, onefor an average hand, and one for a large hand. In this case, thedimensions are based on an average for each hand size. Alternatively,device 210 could be sized in a manner similar to gloves and then labeledwith a glove size. This would provide the user with a known measure toselect an appropriate device 210 for use from a plurality of differentsized devices.

[0126] In one embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210 isconstructed as two separate pieces—a top piece and a base piece.However, alternatively, device 210 may be constructed in one-piece orwith several parts connected together. The particular method ofconstruction is not essential so long as device 210 has the propertiesand characteristics described herein.

[0127] When ergonomic hand support device 210 is constructed fromseparate parts, it is understood that the parts can be connectedtogether in manners known to those skilled in the art, includingmechanical locking arrangement, use of VELCRO, glue, or other fasteningmaterials. VELCRO is a registered U.S. trademark of Velcro U.S.A. Inc.and is a synthetic material having complemental parts which adhere toeach other when pressed together. It is further understood that whenergonomic hand support device 210 is made of a top-base construction,the top piece may be held to the base by means of gravity without havingthe top piece permanently attached to the base.

[0128] Ergonomic hand support device 210 can be manufactured using wood,metal, plastic, rubber, or any other solid material. Ergonomic handsupport device 210 can be manufactured using techniques known to thoseskilled in the art, including injection molding, thermoforming, handcarving, milling technique, and other methods of fabricating plasticsand rubber compounds such as room temperature vulcanizing.

[0129] In the two piece embodiment and in general, top surface 212 ofthe top piece of ergonomic hand support device 210 is a soft topsurface. The soft top surface is constructed using any soft materialsuch as foam rubber, fabric, plastic, or wood, or a combination of softand hard materials. In an alternate embodiment, top surface 212 can be ahard surface constructed of hard material such as plastic or rubber. Inyet another embodiment, top surface 212 can be a top surface of a volumefilled with liquid or a gas such as air.

[0130] In one embodiment, top surface 212 has a smooth surface. In analternate embodiment shown in FIG. 11, top surface 1112 of ergonomichand support device 210B has a textured surface 1113. Textured surface1113 can extend the entire surface area of top surface 1112 or it can belimited to a portion of top surface 1112. Various textural designs aresuitable for textured surface 1113, including diamond shaped pattern,circles, lines, dotted squares, and other patterns. Textured surface1113 is provided to eliminate the discomfort associated withperspiration of the hand while using ergonomic hand support device 210B.Textured surface 1113 helps reduce soreness and fatigue in the handduring extended use of the computer mouse. Textured surface 1113 alsoprovides a positive contact between the user's hand and ergonomic handsupport device 210B. Lastly, textured surface 1113 gives ergonomic handsupport device 210B an aesthetically pleasing look.

[0131] The base piece defines the characteristics of bottom surface 214.The base piece is constructed of compounds such as plastic that aresuited for injection molding. The base piece can be constructed usingother materials described above.

[0132] When rails are used as in the embodiment described above, therails can be manufactured as part of bottom surface 214. The rails canalso be manufactured separately from bottom surface 214 and attached tobottom surface 214 in manners known to those skilled in the art. Therails are manufactured using materials with a low coefficient offriction such as polyethylene or polypropylene. A suitable type ofplastic to use is a thermoplastic sold under the U.S. registeredtrademark DELRIN. Another suitable plastic to use is a fluorocarbonpolymer sold under the U.S. registered trademark TEFLON. Both DELRIN andTEFLON are registered U.S. trademarks of E. I. Du Pont de Nemours andCo. However, any hard material can be used including metal and ABSplastic.

[0133] As described above, ergonomic hand support device 210 is designedto allow fine movements over distances A1, B1, and C1 (FIG. 2) in thefirst field of motion. As shown in FIG. 12, distances A1, B1, and C1 areall equal and are represented as distance R which is the desiredseparation between mouse 201 and ergonomic hand support device 210.Typically, distance R ranges from about 0.32 cm (0.125 inches) to about1.27 cm (0.5 inches), and in the embodiment illustrated R is 0.64 cm(0.25 inches).

[0134] To further facilitate the first field of motion described above,curved opening 218 can be constructed so that hand support device 210 ispositioned at an effective angle relative to mouse 201. Angle α9 (FIG.12) denotes the relative positioning of ergonomic hand support device210 with respect to mouse 201. Typically, angle α9 may range from 60° to120° and in the illustrated embodiment, angle α9 is 100°.

[0135] In an alternate embodiment, ergonomic hand support device 210Ccan further include a tethering mechanism as illustrated in FIG. 13. Thetethering mechanism comprises a chain 1350 connected at one end to awork surface 1308 at connection point 1352. The other end of chain 1350is connected to any portion of perimeter surface 1316 of ergonomic handsupport device 210C that does not interfere with the operation of device210C. In FIG. 13, chain 1350 is connected to perimeter surface 1316underneath side index 1328 of device 210C at connection point 1351.Chain 1350 can be permanently attached or removably connected toconnection points 1351 and 1352. Chain 1350 can be anchored atconnection point 1352 to any one of several items on the work surface,including the mouse pad, the keyboard, the desk, or the computer. In oneembodiment, chain 1350 is a ball chain and connection points 1351, 1352are ball chain connectors. However, chain 1350 can be any suitableattachment means including a cable or a nylon cord. The tetheringmechanism restrains ergonomic hand support device 210C around theproximity of work surface 1308 to prevent theft of device 210C and toprevent device 210C from falling off work surface 1308.

[0136] This application is related to the following copending, commonlyowned, and cofiled applications, each of which is incorporated herein byreference in its entirety:

[0137] 1. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/______, entitled “A METHODFOR FACILITATING MULTIPLE FIELDS OF MOTION IN USING A COMPUTER POINTINGDEVICE,” of William P. Hesley, filed on Aug. 15, 1997; and

[0138] 2. U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/______, entitled “A METHODFOR GUIDING PLACEMENT OF A USER'S HAND ON A HAND SUPPORT DEVICE FOR ACOMPUTER POINTING DEVICE,” of William P. Hesley, filed on Aug. 15, 1997.

[0139] Although the present invention has been described with referenceto one embodiment, persons skilled in the art will recognize thatchanges may be made in form and detail without departing from the spiritand scope of the invention. TABLE 1 DIMENSIONS FOR THE ERGONOMIC HANDSUPPORT DEVICE. (Dimensions shown in inches.) Reference Min Max TypicalB 0.500 2.000 1.250 C 3.500 5.500 4.500 D 0.500 3.000 1.500 E 0.0630.750 0.500 F 1.500 3.250 2.200 G 0.100 2.250 0.500 H 0.063 0.750 0.375I 0.500 2.500 1.375 J 0.100 0.750 0.125 K 0.100 0.600 0.375 L 0.1250.750 0.375 M 0.500 1.750 1.125 N 0.250 1.500 0.750 O 0.000 1.500 0.750P 0.000 4.000 3.000 Q 0.000 1.250 0.750 R 0.125 0.500 0.250 S 2.0004.200 3.250 T 2.000 4.200 2.750 U 0.125 1.500 0.750 V 0.006 0.500 0.200W 0.131 2.000 0.950 X 0.004 0.375 0.100

I claim:
 1. A hand support device for use with a computer pointingdevice comprising: a palm support region; a little finger support regionextending from said palm support region; and a thumb support regionextending from said palm support region wherein said thumb supportregion and said little finger support region define an openingpositioned between said thumb support and little finger support regionswherein a position of said thumb support region and a position of saidlittle finger support region are selected to provide a size of saidopening to permit said computer pointing device to be moved within saidopening.
 2. The hand support device of claim 1 wherein said palm supportregion has a slope in a direction from said little finger support regionto said thumb support region.
 3. The hand support device of claims 1 or2 further comprising: a front index extending from a portion of saidpalm support region between said little finger support region and saidthumb support region.
 4. The hand support device of claim 3 furthercomprising: a side index extending from said thumb support region andsaid palm support region.
 5. The hand support device of claims 1 or 2further comprising: a side index extending from said thumb supportregion and said palm support region.
 6. The hand support device of claim1 wherein a part of said palm support region is textured.
 7. A handsupport device for use with a computer pointing device comprising: afirst surface having a thumb support region, a little finger supportregion, and a palm support region extending from said thumb supportregion and said little finger support region; wherein said thumb supportregion and said little finger support region define an openingpositioned between said little finger and thumb support regions; andfurther wherein a position of said thumb support region and a positionof said little finger support region are selected to provide a size ofsaid opening to permit said computer pointing device to be moved withinsaid opening.
 8. The hand support device of claim 7 further comprising:a second surface opposite and removed from said first surface; aperimeter surface connecting said first surface to said second surface.9. The hand support device of claim 8 wherein said palm support regionhas a slope in a direction from said little finger support region tosaid thumb support region.
 10. The hand support device of claims 8 or 9further comprising: a front index extending from a portion of said palmsupport region between said little finger support region and said thumbsupport region.
 11. The hand support device of claims 8 or 9 furthercomprising: a side index extending from said thumb support region andsaid palm support region.
 12. The hand support device of claim 8 furthercomprising: a pressure relief edge surface extending from a portion ofsaid palm support region opposite and removed from said opening to aportion of said perimeter surface, wherein said pressure relief edgesurface is a convex surface.
 13. The hand support device of claim 8 withsaid second surface having a plurality of rails affixed thereto.
 14. Thehand support device of claim 7 wherein a part of said palm supportregion is textured.
 15. A hand support device for use with a computerpointing device comprising: a first surface having a thumb supportregion, a little finger support region, and a palm support regionextending from said thumb support region and said little finger supportregion; a second surface opposite and removed from said first surface;and a perimeter surface connecting said first surface to said secondsurface, and extending between said little finger support region andsaid thumb support region to define a control surface of an openingpositioned between said little finger support region and said thumbsupport region; wherein said first surface extends over said controlsurface between said thumb support region and said little finger supportregion to create a computer pointing device cavity.
 16. The hand supportdevice of claim 15 wherein said palm support region has a slope in adirection from said little finger support region to said thumb supportregion.
 17. The hand support device of claims 15 or 16 furthercomprising: a front index extending from a portion of said palm supportregion between said little finger support region and said thumb supportregion.
 18. The hand support device of claim 17 further comprising: aside index extending from said thumb support region and said palmsupport region.
 19. The hand support device of claims 15 or 16 furthercomprising: a side index extending from said thumb support region andsaid palm support region.
 20. The hand support device of claim 15 withsaid second surface having a plurality of rails affixed thereto.
 21. Thehand support device of claim 15 further comprising: a pressure reliefedge surface extending from a portion of said palm support regionopposite and removed from said opening wherein said pressure relief edgesurface is a convex surface.
 22. The hand support device of claim 20wherein each of said plurality of rails comprises a sliding surface anda beveled edge surface, said beveled edge surface surrounds said slidingsurface and extends from said sliding surface to said second surface.23. The hand support device of claim 15 wherein a part of said palmsupport region is textured.
 24. The hand support device of claim 15further comprising an attachment cable connecting a surface of said handsupport device to a work surface.